The Bible verses that inspired U.S. presidents

The Joint Congressional Committee for Inaugural Ceremonies keeps track (when possible) of each Bible used for each president's inaugural ceremony, along with the verse each Bible was open to.

By Compiled by Dana Guthrie

Photo: AP

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Barack Obama used The Lincoln Bible, the same Bible used by Abraham Lincoln at his presidential inauguration, when Obama took the oath of office in 2009. For his second inauguration on Monday, he will use the Lincoln Bible, plus a Bible owned by Martin Luther King. less

Barack Obama used The Lincoln Bible, the same Bible used by Abraham Lincoln at his presidential inauguration, when Obama took the oath of office in 2009. For his second inauguration on Monday, he will use the ... more

Photo: Mark Wilson, Getty Images

Barack Obama used The Lincoln Bible, the same Bible used by Abraham... Photo-4040466.55239 - Houston Chronicle

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George W. Bush used a family Bible, open to Isaiah 40:31, during his 2005 swearing-in. For the 2001 inauguration, Bush used a family Bible that was closed.

"But those who wait on the Lord Shall renew their strength; They shall mount up with wings like eagles, They shall run and not be weary, They shall walk and not faint." less

George W. Bush used a family Bible, open to Isaiah 40:31, during his 2005 swearing-in. For the 2001 inauguration, Bush used a family Bible that was closed.

George W. Bush used a family Bible, open to Isaiah 40:31, during... Photo-4040476.55239 - Houston Chronicle

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Bill Clinton use a King James Bible given to him by his grandmother for both inaugurations. In 1993, the Bible was open to Galatians 6:8. In 1997, the Bible was open to Isaiah 58:12.

Galatians 6:8"For he that sows to his flesh shall of the flesh reap
corruption; but he that sows to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life
everlasting."

Isaiah 58:12"Those from among you Shall build the old waste places; You shall raise up the foundations of many generations; And you shall be called the Repairer of the Breach, The Restorer of Streets to Dwell In." less

Bill Clinton use a King James Bible given to him by his grandmother for both inaugurations. In 1993, the Bible was open to Galatians 6:8. In 1997, the Bible was open to Isaiah 58:12.

Bill Clinton use a King James Bible given to him by his grandmother... Photo-4040490.55239 - Houston Chronicle

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George H. W. Bush used a family Bible, open to Matthew 5, and the Bible used by George Washington, opened at random. Matthew 5 contains the first portion of the Sermon on the Mount.

George H. W. Bush used a family Bible, open to Matthew 5, and the Bible used by George Washington, opened at random. Matthew 5 contains the first portion of the Sermon on the Mount.

George H. W. Bush used a family Bible, open to Matthew 5, and the... Photo-3947397.55239 - Houston Chronicle

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Ronald Reagan used a family Bible given to him by his mother for both inauguration ceremonies. In both 1981 and 1985, the Bible was open to II Chronicles 7:14.

"if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." less

Ronald Reagan used a family Bible given to him by his mother for both inauguration ceremonies. In both 1981 and 1985, the Bible was open to II Chronicles 7:14.

Ronald Reagan used a family Bible given to him by his mother for... Photo-4040511.55239 - Houston Chronicle

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Jimmy Carter used a family Bible, open to VI Micah 6:8, and the Bible used by George Washington.

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." less

Jimmy Carter used a family Bible, open to VI Micah 6:8, and the Bible used by George Washington.

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy ... more

Photo: Associated Press

Jimmy Carter used a family Bible, open to VI Micah 6:8, and the... Photo-4040499.55239 - Houston Chronicle

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Gerald Ford used a Bible held by his wife, open to Proverbs 3:5-6.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths." less

Gerald Ford used a Bible held by his wife, open to Proverbs 3:5-6.

"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your ... more

Photo: AP File

Gerald Ford used a Bible held by his wife, open to Proverbs 3:5-6.... Photo-3571656.55239 - Houston Chronicle

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Richard Nixon used the same two family Bibles at both of his inaugurations. In 1965 and 1969, both bibles were open to Isaiah 2:4.

"He shall judge between the nations, And rebuke many people; They shall beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war anymore." less

Richard Nixon used the same two family Bibles at both of his inaugurations. In 1965 and 1969, both bibles were open to Isaiah 2:4.

"He shall judge between the nations, And rebuke many people; They shall beat ... more

Photo: Charles Tasnadi, Charles Tasnadi/AP

Richard Nixon used the same two family Bibles at both of his... Photo-3571676.55239 - Houston Chronicle

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Lyndon B. Johnson took the oath on the same family Bible he used at his vice presidential inauguration in 1961. It was closed.

Lyndon B. Johnson took the oath on the same family Bible he used at his vice presidential inauguration in 1961. It was closed.

Lyndon B. Johnson took the oath on the same family Bible he used at... Photo-3575790.55239 - Houston Chronicle

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John F. Kennedy used a Bible from his mother's family. It was closed.

John F. Kennedy used a Bible from his mother's family. It was closed.

John F. Kennedy used a Bible from his mother's family. It was... Photo-3859717.55239 - Houston Chronicle

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In 1957, Dwight Eisenhower used a personal "West Point Bible," open to Psalm 33:12. In 1953, he used two Bibles, one used by George Washington in 1789, open to Chronicles 7:14, and his personal Bible, open to Psalm 33:12.

Psalm 33:12"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, The people He has chosen as His own inheritance."

Chronicles II 7:14"if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land."

In 1957, Dwight Eisenhower used a personal "West Point Bible," open to Psalm 33:12. In 1953, he used two Bibles, one used by George Washington in 1789, open to Chronicles 7:14, and his personal Bible, open to ... more

In 1949, Harry S. Truman used two Bibles, the first open to Matthew 5 (Beatitudes) and the second open to Exodus 20 (the Ten Commandments). In 1945, the Bible was closed.

In 1949, Harry S. Truman used two Bibles, the first open to Matthew 5 (Beatitudes) and the second open to Exodus 20 (the Ten Commandments). In 1945, the Bible was closed.

Photo: FM

In 1949, Harry S. Truman used two Bibles, the first open to Matthew... Photo-3166435.55239 - Houston Chronicle

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Franklin D. Roosevelt used the same family Bible for all four of his inaugurations. In each ceremony, it was open to I Corinthians 13.

"And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love." less

Franklin D. Roosevelt used the same family Bible for all four of his inaugurations. In each ceremony, it was open to I Corinthians 13.

"And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is ... more

Photo: Franklin D. Roosevelt Library

Franklin D. Roosevelt used the same family Bible for all four of... Photo-1686260.55239 - Houston Chronicle

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Herbert Hoover used a family Bible, open to Proverbs 29:18.

"Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom's instruction."

Herbert Hoover used a family Bible, open to Proverbs 29:18.

"Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom's instruction."

Photo: AP

Herbert Hoover used a family Bible, open to Proverbs 29:18.... Photo-3633526.55239 - Houston Chronicle

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Calvin Coolidge used a family Bible during both inaugurations in 1923 and 1925. In 1925, it was open to John 1.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."

Calvin Coolidge used a family Bible during both inaugurations in 1923 and 1925. In 1925, it was open to John 1.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."

Photo: AP File

Calvin Coolidge used a family Bible during both inaugurations in... Photo-3571657.55239 - Houston Chronicle

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Warren G. Harding used the same Bible used by George Washington, open to Micah 6:8.

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord
require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with
your God." less

Warren G. Harding used the same Bible used by George Washington, open to Micah 6:8.

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to ... more

Warren G. Harding used the same Bible used by George Washington,... Photo-4030001.55239 - Houston Chronicle

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Woodrow Wilson used the same Bible for both inaugurations. in 1917, it was open to Psalm 46. In 1913, it was open to Psalm 119:43-46.

The first verse of Psalm 46: "God is our refuge and strength, and ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging."

Psalm 119:43-46"Never take your word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws. I will always obey your law, for ever and ever. I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts. I will speak of your statues before kings and will not be put to shame," less

Woodrow Wilson used the same Bible for both inaugurations. in 1917, it was open to Psalm 46. In 1913, it was open to Psalm 119:43-46.

The first verse of Psalm 46:"God is our refuge and strength, and ... more

Photo: AP

Woodrow Wilson used the same Bible for both inaugurations. in 1917,... Photo-1360636.55239 - Houston Chronicle

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William Howard Taft used a century-old Bible belonging to the Supreme Court, open to I Kings 3:9-11.

"So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours? The Lord was pleased that Solomon asked for this. So God said to him, 'Since you have asked for this and not for long life or wealth for yourself, nor have asked for the death of your enemies but for discernment in administering justice,'" less

William Howard Taft used a century-old Bible belonging to the Supreme Court, open to I Kings 3:9-11.

"So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. ... more

Teddy Roosevelt did not use a Bible in 1901. In 1905, the Bible was open to James 1:22-23.

"Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the Word but does ... more

Photo: AP

Teddy Roosevelt did not use a Bible in 1901. In 1905, the Bible was... Photo-4029982.55239 - Houston Chronicle

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In 1897, William McKinley's Bible was presented to him by the bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, with II Chronicles 1:10 marked. In 1901, the Bible was open to Proverbs 16:20-21. II Chronicles 1:10"Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people, for who is able to govern this great people of ours?" Proverbs 16:20-21"Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord. The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction." less

In 1897, William McKinley's Bible was presented to him by the bishops of the African Methodist Episcopal Church, with II Chronicles 1:10 marked. In 1901, the Bible was open to Proverbs 16:20-21.
II Chronicles ... more

Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS

In 1897, William McKinley's Bible was presented to him by the... Photo-2523810.55239 - Houston Chronicle

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Grover Cleveland used a Bible given to him by his mother in both inaugurations. in 1885, the Bible opened by chance to Psalm 112:4-10. In 1893, the Bible was open to Psalm 91:12-16.

Psalm 112:4"Even in darkness light dawns for the upright, for those who are gracious and compassionate and righteous."Psalm 91:14"'Because he loves me,' says the Lord, 'I will rescue him; I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.'"

Grover Cleveland used a Bible given to him by his mother in both... Photo-2523819.55239 - Houston Chronicle

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Benjamin Harrison used a Bible provided by the clerk of the Supreme Court, open to Psalm 121:1-6.

"The Lord watches over you - the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night." less

Benjamin Harrison used a Bible provided by the clerk of the Supreme Court, open to Psalm 121:1-6.

"The Lord watches over you - the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor ... more

Photo: Anonymous, ASSOCIATED PRESS

Benjamin Harrison used a Bible provided by the clerk of the Supreme... Photo-2523862.55239 - Houston Chronicle

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Chester A. Arthur's Bible was open to Psalm 31:1-2.

"In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me." less

Chester A. Arthur's Bible was open to Psalm 31:1-2.

"In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock ... more

James A. Garfield's Bible was open to Proverbs 21:1. "The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes."

James A. Garfield's Bible was open to Proverbs 21:1.
"The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes."

James A. Garfield's Bible was open to Proverbs 21:1.... Photo-3696787.55239 - Houston Chronicle

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Rutherford B. Hayes' Bible was open to Psalm 118:11-13.

"They surrounded me, Yes, they surrounded me; But in the name of the Lord I will destroy them. They surrounded me like bees; They were quenched like a fire of thorns; For in the name of the Lord I will destroy them. You pushed me violently, that I might fall, But the Lord helped me."

There is no information on the Bible used by Ulysses S. Grant in 1869. When he was sworn in again in 1873, his Bible was open to Isaiah 11:1-3.

"There
shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, And a Branch shall grow out of
his roots. 2 The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, The Spirit of wisdom
and understanding, The Spirit of counsel and might, The Spirit of knowledge and
of the fear of the Lord. 3 His delight is in the fear of the Lord, And He shall
not judge by the sight of His eyes, Nor decide by the hearing of His ears" less

There is no information on the Bible used by Ulysses S. Grant in 1869. When he was sworn in again in 1873, his Bible was open to Isaiah 11:1-3.